New ‘quintessentially Melbourne’ hotel is different from the rest

As the desire for authentic travel experiences grows, the independence of city hotels is becoming increasingly rare, especially among upscale options.

Moody, mellow Melbourne Place.

Lured by the power of multinational booking platforms and loyalty programs, many once self-run hotels have found a place under the brand umbrellas proffered by large hospitality groups.

In Melbourne for instance, Next Hotel, which was an independent when it opened in 2020, is now part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. In early 2024, the Ovolo family of hotels joined Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

But a new standalone in the same city is bucking the trend. For now, at least, Melbourne Place, designed by architects Kennedy Nolan to be “the quintessential Melbourne experience”, is proudly independent.

Independence day … Melbourne Place.

In the heart of the city on Russell Street near the corner of Bourke Street (just opposite the QT Melbourne), it’s a 14-storey new-build created to reference the historic structures around it.

Interiors feature an Australian-hued colour scheme and lots of jarrah (its use is unusual these days – logging of the West Australian native wood was banned, effective as of January 1, this year).

Many boutique properties claim a commitment to design, but Melbourne Place is home to a who’s who of local creators. Its 191 rooms and suites include a penthouse suite which is all set for the arrival of the next musical world superstar with the inclusion of a baby grand. Elegant public spaces, art and specially designed furniture also feature, as do consumables by local brands.

Director of MARS Gallery Andy Dinan curates the art in the hotel, with a three-storey screen to show video works by some of the gallery’s names, including celebrated Melbourne-based photography artist Atong Atem, whose portraiture works hang on every floor.

And what’s a quintessential Melbourne experience without a notable food offering? Melbourne Place is home to ground-floor eatery Marmelo and basement bar Mr Mills, by Ross and Sunny Lusted. On level 12, chef Nick Deligiannis helms signature restaurant Mid Air.

Chef Nick Deligiannis helms signature restaurant Mid Air.Credit: Eddie Jim

Melbourne Place is owned by Merricks Capital. It took over the project after the original owner faced financial difficulties.

Merricks brought in hugely experienced Melbourne hotel executive and former chief executive of Crown Hotels Peter Crinis as director and Tracy Atherton, formerly of Jackalope, as executive general manager to operate the property.

See melbourneplace.com.au